Everyone knows that table design for various holidays is subject to certain rules. In addition, a beautiful table will certainly emphasize respect for the guests and the delicate taste of the hostess.
The design of the table depends on the occasion, time of day and the dishes served and is designed to provide those present with a pleasant and convenient pastime. Next, we will consider how table setting should be made for the holiday, what accessories are needed for this.
Historical facts
The history of the table setting process begins about two and a half thousand years ago. In those ancient times, the Romans and Greeks often held solemn meals, distinguished by splendor and luxury. Tables were decorated with garlands and bouquets of fresh flowers, and dishes were served on trays. Wealthy people used ceramic or glass dishes decorated with paintings, the poor - clay. Spoons were rarely used - they ate, dipping slices of bread into the liquid.
In Europe, the development of the art of table setting is associated with the reign of Charlemagne, who lived from 744 to 814. He loved to arrange luxurious receptions - the halls were lavishly decorated with expensive carpets, and the table setting for the holiday included gold and silver utensils for dishes. During the feast, the guests and the king were entertained by dancers, musicians and readers.
In the XVII century, the art of table setting receives a new impetus, after which cutlery, glass and porcelain dishes, and dinner sets are widely used.
Basic serving requirements
Table setting for the holiday is used to make the table look beautiful, attract attention and be comfortable.
To do this, you must adhere to several simple requirements:
- An impeccably ironed tablecloth must be present on the table. If the table is rectangular, then the coating should be taken half a meter longer than the countertop, if with rounded edges - one meter more than its diameter. In any case, the edges should hang down by 30-50 cm. For especially solemn occasions, choose a white color, and in the rest any pastel colors are suitable. Ideal - the shade and texture of the coating is combined with the style of the room.
- Cutlery and dishes should be from the same set, perfectly washed and grated to a shine with a special cloth, stains, opacities and stains are unacceptable.
- Table setting at home provides an independent table decoration. Therefore, you need to take care of napkins - they must be clean, ironed and consistent with the general style. Napkins folded in a certain way give a special charm to the table - they try various design techniques in advance.
- To give the table and the general atmosphere of cosiness use decoration with various objects - candles or souvenir trifles.
- Bottles with alcoholic drinks are put on the table already uncorked.
Basic rules for registration
After the table is installed, and the tablecloth is laid, proceed to serving. It must be remembered that the sequence of actions is as follows: the dishes from which they eat are put on the table first, then - cutlery, containers for drinks - last.
Table setting rules dictate the following arrangement of cutlery and the arrangement of dishes:
- a napkin spreads at the location of the plates;
- first put on a napkin a small dining plate (if you plan to change dishes) so that there is a distance of three centimeters to the edge of the table;
- then on top of a snack plate having a slightly smaller size;
- a plate for bread - a pie - put on the left ten centimeters from the diner;
- cutlery is laid out as follows: on the right - knives with the cutting side to the plate and spoons with the convex part down, on the left - forks with the teeth up, on top - the dessert spoon with the handle to the right;
- then it should be put in one line: on the right - a glass for wine, on the left - a glass for water;
- if there are several drinks, two rows of dishes for them are allowed.
Items are placed so that between them there is a distance of one centimeter.
When choosing a dinner plate, take into account the type of served dish - put bowls for cream soup or broth, and a deep plate for thick soup or borsch.
Napkins for the table
In addition to the fact that napkins are an integral attribute of the design and table setting for the holiday, they can also serve as its original decoration - for this they are beautifully folded. The basic rule is that the accessory must be quickly deployed and located in an accessible place. Traditionally, before the feast begins, the napkin is placed on top of the plates.
For special occasions use textile napkins decorated with embroidery, braid, lace and fastened with special accessories in the form of figures or flowers. They are used to protect against debris, kept on their knees. Hands and mouth are wiped with paper napkins, which are placed on the table in glasses, supports or holders.
The easiest way to fold is a pocket in which cutlery is placed. More complex methods involve decoration in the form of a Christmas tree, flower, complex figure.
But the main thing to consider is that cloth napkins must be starched, so they better keep their shape and are removed from dirt.
Breakfast table setting
The rules of table setting at home for various meals that do not provide for a festive atmosphere dictate simpler conditions.
For breakfast, you can arrange a table as follows:
- arrange snack plates;
- place glasses and cups at some distance;
- put a teaspoon on a small saucer;
- put a deep plate for porridge on a snack plate;
- then install an egg stand on top, and a special spoon for eating them next;
- in the middle of the table there is a kettle or coffee pot with a drink and sandwiches on a flat dish;
- if honey or jam is served, then a saucer is prepared for them.
Table setting for lunch and dinner
Table setting rules for dinner provide several ways, depending on the number of dishes served.
In general, the table is designed as follows:
- cover the tablecloth;
- the first is a small plate;
- above - deep, intended for the first course;
- on the previous - a salad plate for salads;
- to the left of the plates there is a fork, and to the right - closer to the plates - a knife, next - a soup spoon;
- put a napkin on top of the plates;
- in the accessibility they put containers with seasonings - salt, pepper, spices;
- left and right respectively have a glass of water and a wine glass;
- table setting can be supplemented with fresh flowers;
- special containers are used for oil supply;
- a hot first course served in a covered tureen.
Table setting for dinner is no different from lunch preparation, with the only difference being that they do not put a deep plate on the table and do not put a spoon for the first dishes.
Children's table decoration
Table setting for a children's holiday has its own characteristics: the setting should be interesting, fun and attractive. And most importantly - safe.
Therefore, you need to follow some rules:
- Do not use fragile or breakable dishes; it is better to use special children's accessories;
- cutlery should not be sharp;
- all dishes should be served in separate containers;
- the menu needs to be calculated so that food does not need to be cut;
- dishes should be decorated in a colorful and attractive way;
- the tablecloth is selected bright and not very long so that it is impossible to pull it off the table, or it is fixed;
- an ideal option would be a one-time coating;
- paper napkins fit in funny figures;
- To decorate the table, you can use sweets, fruits, balls.
Banquet table setting
In the life of people from time to time there are solemn events - weddings, anniversaries, appointments to senior positions. In these situations, banquets or receptions are held in specially designated rooms. Table setting for the holiday, napkins and other accessories are prepared by the staff, and the dishes are served by waiters.
The attributes of the festive banquet are:
- decorations in the form of compositions from balls or flowers, bows and original drapery of textiles);
- entertaining elements for guests (performances by artists, live music - modern or classical, holiday host);
- magnificently cleaned table and large chairs.
The main requirements for table setting are:
- long or free-standing tables, covered with snow-white starched tablecloths and large napkins to match;
- first they arrange small plates at a distance of sixty centimeters from each other according to the number of guests, snack bars are placed on top, and pie on the left;
- to the right of the plates are table, fish and snack knives and a tablespoon, and to the left are forks: a table, fish and two snack bars;
- dessert devices - knife, spoon and fork - are placed on top of the plate;
- to the right there are glasses, wine glasses and wineglasses;
- beautifully folded napkins - on top of plates;
- along the middle of the table are flowerpots with flowers and fruits, containers with spices.
Table setting for tea
Tea drinking is a special ceremony that should take place in a homely atmosphere. The basic requirements for serving do not differ from the above, but a few recommendations will help to make the atmosphere more comfortable.
They are as follows:
- the style and color of the tea set should match the shade and texture of the tablecloth;
- the presence of a small bouquet of fresh flowers on the table is desirable;
- for traditional tea drinking, a samovar is placed on a separate table;
- in milkman on the table on a small plate put milk or cream;
- on a platter, a cake or pie cut into portions is served, in sweets dishes - sweets and fruits, in creamers - berries;
- a tea cup is placed on a saucer, a teaspoon is placed there;
- in the middle of the table have a sugar bowl with special tongs.
Buffet table setting
Buffet reception is an official event that is held at receptions, presentations, meetings. As a rule, a lot of people are present on it and do not sit at tables. The event lasts no more than two hours and provides for active communication of those present. Table setting for the holiday with a buffet table has its own characteristics.
They are as follows:
- tables are arranged so as not to interfere with the free movement of people, and are covered with white tablecloths;
- The menu includes light snacks, salads, sandwiches and sandwiches;
- alcoholic beverages - wine and champagne;
- on special coasters have sets of dishes and cutlery;
- glasses and wine glasses are placed at the end of the table, napkins in holders - evenly along the entire length;
- tables are decorated with fruits, the hall with flowers;
- bottles with alcohol are uncorked and put on the table, and juices and water are poured into glasses or glasses.
Using Candlesticks
Candles can become decoration of table setting for the holiday at home - their burning will create an atmosphere of warmth, coziness and romance. It must be remembered that the main lighting of the table must also be present.
White candles are traditionally chosen for installation in candlesticks, but if it is decided to take colored ones, then their shade should correspond to the table design. Candlesticks can be decorated with flowers, buttonholes or ribbons, and on New Year or Christmas - fir branches. The material of their manufacture - metal, ceramics, porcelain or glass - must also correspond to the general style and utensils.
It is believed that if you hold candles in the refrigerator for several hours before the holiday, they will burn longer.
Beautiful table setting: ideas
A festively decorated table will make any event enjoyable. But you can add some little things to the traditional serving - they are able to bring a special charm and originality to the atmosphere.
Designers offer the following ideas:
- the tabletop can be decorated by laying on top of the tablecloth another, smaller, or a fabric strip of contrasting color;
- table flowers and napkins can be decorated with fresh flowers or herbs;
- in the spring, you can attach jewelry in the form of ladybugs, dragonflies or other insects to the utensils;
- if the table is prepared for a romantic dinner, small candles are placed in containers with a small amount of water, the space around is decorated with rose petals and large rhinestones.
The theory and practice of table setting provide for compliance with the design of the occasion or theme of the celebration.
In special cases, a card with the initials of the guest, decorated with a boutonniere, is placed at each place.
At Christmas or New Year's feast, napkins can be decorated with snowflakes, cones, and on the table there are figures of snowmen or Santa Claus, spruce branches and Christmas toys. The aroma of needles will help provide special sprays.
Skillfully approaching the preparation of the celebration, you can not only feed the guests with deliciously prepared dishes, but also make the holiday amazing and memorable.